Chai (Hebrew pronunciation: [χai], occasionally
[ħai]) is a symbol and word that figures
prominently in Jewish culture and consists of
the letters of the Hebrew alphabet Chet (ח)
and Yod (י).
In the Hebrew language, the word chai (חַי)
spelled by these two letters means "living,"
is related to the term for "life," chaim,
and also appears in the slogan "`am yisrael
chai!" (עַם יִשְׂרָאֵל
חַי, "The people of Israel
live!",).
There have been various mystical numerological
speculations about the fact that, according to
the system of gematria, the letters of chai add
up to 18 (see "Lamedvavniks" etc.).
For this reason, 18 is a spiritual number in Judaism,
and many Jews give gifts of money in multiples
of 18 as a result.
[edit] References in culture
The Chai symbol is often worn by Jews as a Jewelry around the neck (along
with the Star of David (Magen David), Mezuzah
and the Hamsa).
In Hebrew, the related word chaya means "living
thing" or "animal", and is derived
from the Hebrew word chai (חי), meaning
"life."
Jews often give gifts and donations in multiples
of 18, which is called "giving chai."
Mailings from Jewish charities usually suggest
the amounts to give in multiples of chai (18,
36, 54, dollars, etc.) rather than the usual multiples
of 25 or 100.
Chai is a popular root word in Hebrew names. Chaya,
derived from chai is a popular female name in
Hebrew, and Chaim is the very popular male version.
The biblical Eve's name is Chava in Hebrew, also
derived from same root as chai.
Among all Jews, both religious and secular, the
toast "līchaim", which means "to
life", is frequently used when celebrating
something, such as one of the high holidays, birthdays,
weddings etc. See also the article about "Etz
Chaim", meaning "tree of life"
for more related information.
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